Malawi, Africa
Summer is prime-time safari season, with under-the-radar Malawi emerging as a buzzy destination.
In-the-know travelers head to Majete Wildlife Reserve, Liwonde National Park and Nkhotakota Game Reserve for fewer crowds and an increased chance of animal sightings. Liwonde National Park is popular, since not only is it rife with elephants, hippos and black rhinos, but a recent conservation effort by African Parks added cheetahs, too.
Majete Wildlife Reserve has also been repopulated by African Parks, and is now a Big Five with elephants, lions, black rhinos, buffalo and leopard.
Nkhotakota Game Reserve is in the process of rebuilding its wildlife population, and has already added more than 1,000 animals and 500 elephants.
New lodging has opened to keep pace with visitors. Robin Pope Safaris just added Kuthengo Camp in Liwonde National Park; its four roomy tents each contain a full bathroom, large bed and private deck overlooking the Shire River.